1. HELP PREVENT DROWNING

2. Why are we here? www.knowbeforeyougo.org
We are here to help you as a teen realize the importance of water safety for yourself and others around you.

3. Facts about drowning and near drowning
In Texas, nearly 300 people drown every year.
Drowning is a silent event that happens in seconds
For each child that drowns, it is estimated that 4 children are hospitalized for near-drowning
As many as 20% of near drowning survivors suffer severe permanent brain damage
Safe Kids Worldwide

4. Water Safety & You Babysitting Swimming Pools & Water Parks
Natural Bodies of Water
Tie in the information they provided you with to the areas that they should be most concerned with.

5. Babysitting More than 50% of infant drowning occurs in a bathtub
Other risk areas include swimming pools, toilets, buckets, and spas
Many children who drown were last seen in the home, had been missing from sight for less than 5 minutes, and were under supervision at the time.
December 16, 2004: A 9-month old girl drowns in a bathtub while her mother speaks with a repair man

6. Diving Boards, Pool Slides & Water Parks
Always follow the posted rules and pay attention to warning signs at a water park
Go down a water slide feet first in a sitting position
Never dive into water less than nine feet deep
Never let anyone pressure you into attempting a dangerous stunt

7. Natural Bodies of Water
Teenagers most often drown in open water sites. Safe Kids Worldwide
June 12, 2003: A 9-year old girl goes swimming in a creek during a family picnic, and drowns when the water gets too deep (12 feet)

8. Boating Safety
Texas law mandates you must be 16 years of age or older to operate a motor-powered boat

9. Boating Facts Most boating accidents are caused by the operator
One out of nine boating fatality victims was found wearing a PFD Texas Parks and Wildlife
You are two times as likely to be killed in a boating accident when alcohol is involved
Texas Parks and Wildlife
In Lake Lewisville in May 2003, an 18 year old male drowned when the boat sank 200 yards from shore and he could not make it back. (explain how long 200 yards is 2 football field lengths) Why was he not wearing a PFD? What do you think the outcome would have been had he been wearing a PFD?

10. Personal Watercraft Facts
Each year approximately 1,000 individuals are seriously injured or killed while riding personal watercraft such as jet skis.
Coalition of Parents and Families for Personal Watercraft Safety
PWC riders often became airborne and contact whatever is in their path. Some of the same factors that make a personal water craft fun, make them dangerous.
PWC are more than 3 times as likely to strike a person swimming in the water as other vessel types.

11. Accident and Fatality Prevention
Always wear a PFD
Avoid Alcohol
Enroll in boater education classes
Don’t overload the boat
Always have a passenger serve as a lookout in addition to the operator
ALL PWC operators and passengers must wear a PFD

12. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Personal Flotation Devices such as a lifejacket or vest can be buoyant or inflatable and come in many sizes and styles.
Who Should Wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD?
- All non-swimmers
- Anyone when near open bodies of water or when participating in water sports
- Any person on board a PWC or boat

13. Wearing a PFD Correctly
Check the label
Check for damage
Fasten up
Check for proper fit
Wear it

14. PFD Fitting 101 Lift the shoulders of the life jacket
Make sure it does not slip above the chin or ears
It should feel snug, yet comfortable. A properly fitted life jacket keeps your head and shoulders above water.

15. Help Prevent Drowning Steps you can take
READY,
SET,
SAVE!
Refer to brochure

16. READY Create Layers of Protection between the water and you.
Learn CPR.
Talk to adults that are caring for you around water.
Enroll in Swim Lessons.
Take a Boater Safety Course.
Distribute & Review the following handouts:
Know Before You Go Brochure
Learn more about CPR, First Aid classes, Life Guard Courses, Baby sitting Courses, and Swim Lessons with the YMCA and Red Cross by going to the Know Before You Go web site. Learn about Boater Saftey with Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Take matters into your own hands get the knowledge you need before involving yourself or others in water activities.

17. Layers of Protection Always wear a PFD
Know how the craft operates and safety procedures
Know local laws and ordinances regarding use of watercraft

18. SET Never go out alone or operate PWC without adult supervision.
Always have a passenger serve as a lookout in addition to the operator.
Have phone at the water area.
Wear PFDs that are Coast Guard approved.
Do not drink alcohol.
Show Coast Guard Approved PFD and talk about size appropriate again.

19. SAVE
Call
Throw! Don’t go. Throw rescue equipment to the victim.
Begin CPR and continue until rescue personnel arrives.

20. HELP PREVENT DROWNING